Category: New Zealand Transport Agency

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“Super Weekend” of work coming up on SH20A roundabout to Auckland Airport

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: “Super Weekend” of work coming up on SH20A roundabout to Auckland Airport

Work started earlier this month to transform the roundabout into an eight lane intersection controlled by traffic lights because heavy traffic flows to and from the airport mean the roundabout does not function efficiently.

The changes are to improve safety, traffic flows and journey reliability, says the Transport Agency’s Senior Manager Project Delivery, Chris Hunt.

So far, the roundabout has been reduced in size with lanes re-aligned. The next big step is what the construction team is calling a “Super Weekend” to change the slip lane for traffic coming from the city and turning left off SH20A on to Verissimo Drive. The work includes a traffic switch, excavation, installing ducts and pits for traffic signal, laying concrete pavement and asphalt surfacing.

The team will work extended hours from 10pm on Friday 16 March until 5am on Tuesday 20 March to complete the work. The dates may change or be extended if the weather is bad.  The slip lane into Verissimo Drive will be closed but motorists will still be able to enter Verissimo Drive from the roundabout.

The “Super Weekend” strategy is to achieve in 4 days and nights what would otherwise take several weeks with the Verissimo Drive slip lane closed for the entire time.

“We recognise there will be an impact on traffic flows. The Super Weekend  will keep that disruption to the shortest possible timeframe, says Mr Hunt.

The Transport Agency asks drivers to be patient, approach the area with caution, keep to the speed limit and stay in your lane.

There are temporary traffic lights on George Bolt Memorial Drive and Verissimo Drive about 40 metres before the roundabout. Drivers still need to give way at the roundabout.

“”The team is working with Auckland Airport, Auckland  Transport and the Auckland Traffic Operations Centre to minimise the effects , but travellers should allow extra time for journeys to and from the airport,” says Mr Hunt. 

 The transformation from roundabout to intersection is expected to take several months.

When completed the intersection will have 8 lanes for north and south-bound traffic flow with dedicated left and right turn lanes. Landing Drive and Verissimo Drive will also have dedicated turning and straight through lanes to improve the flow of traffic entering and exiting the industrial areas.

The upgrade of the Landing Drive roundabout is part of ongoing improvements to SH20A, which is the primary route to and from Auckland Airport and forms a strategic link between SH20 and SH16, the Airport business district and the greater Auckland area. Other improvements include the upgraded Kirkbride intersection, with its trench underpass separating local and airport traffic.

For more information on SH20A upgrades see https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh20a-to-airport/

The Landing Drive roundabout with Verissimo Drive “Super Weekend” work area highlighted in yellow

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Takaka Hill, SH 60 Update – increasing access to Golden Bay

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Takaka Hill, SH 60 Update – increasing access to Golden Bay

Since the aftermath of ex-tropical-cyclone Gita, the hill road has been open to restricted convoys morning and evening (7-8 am and 5-6 pm) and Sunday daytime hours, 8 am to 5 pm.

“We understand how vital this road is as a lifeline for people in Golden Bay, and we are doing everything possible to improve access,” says Frank Porter, Transport Agency System Manager.

“We need to balance the need to keep the road open as much as possible with the need to fully rebuild it.”

An extra hour morning and evening Monday to Saturday

As of this Wednesday 14 March, the open hours for Takaka Hill road are extending by an hour each morning and evening, ie 6-8am and 5-7pm.

  • The Sunday 8am to 5pm open hours remain the same.

Lunchtime permitted convoys continue, with commercial passenger transport included from this week

“The lunchtime essential freight convoy with daily permits continues,” says Mr Porter.

“We are also pleased to allow commercial bus and shuttle services to make the lunchtime trip as of this week, so long as they comply with the length restrictions.

“This will ease up access for some people who want to travel out of Golden Bay at lunchtime and come back in the evening on the same passenger service.”

Other easing of restrictions – a way to get bikes over the hill

While pedestrians and cyclists are not allowed to travel by foot or cycle over the hill, people can arrange bike transport through local bus or transport services, to get them over through the convoy system.

Cars or vans towing caravans, trailers and boats can now travel over morning and evening Monday to Saturday, and any time 8am – 5pm Sunday. The length of the object being towed is the only qualification.

  • Trailers/boats/caravans of 7 metres or more in length may not be allowed over the hill.
  • All travel is still by escorted convoy only.
  • Trucks towing trailers are not permitted on the hill at this stage.
  • Over-dimension or over width units or large coaches are not permitted.

What our crews have achieved so far

Transport Agency crews are working hard to widen the road around some of the tight bends that are currently not wide enough for truck and trailer units, says Mr Porter. “We are also surfacing sections of the road damaged in the storm, completing retaining wall repairs, repairing and installing new culverts and drains, and installing safety barriers. 

“We are installing electronic sign boards in Takaka, Upper Takaka, Rai township, Murchison and Richmond to help keep people updated as to the status of the Takaka Hill road.”

Key safety messages for drivers on the hill and people waiting in the convoys

  • No overtaking on the Takaka Hill – people need to stay in their place in the convoy and drive with care once they are over the hill each side.
  • Turn your lights off while waiting at either end of the closure point so that your vehicle battery doesn’t go flat.
  • Please don’t wander out into the oncoming lane while you are waiting to join a convoy (particularly children).  Vehicles are travelling over the hill in that lane.
  • Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and you have sufficient fuel.

Easter opening hours   – open each day, all day

  • The Takaka Hill road will be open 8am – 5pm all of Easter, Good Friday to Easter Monday inclusive.
  • The Thursday night (29 March) opening is likely to be later than from 5 pm – 7 pm. The exact hours open will be confirmed closer to Easter.

After Easter hours and access – Tuesday, 3 April onwards

The Transport Agency is aiming to open up the road to be used without convoys, outside of the daytime construction work, ie outside of 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday, including overnight.  However, this planned timetable to move beyond the convoy system is dependent on good weather in coming weeks.

A big thank you

“To the people needing to travel over State Highway 60, Takaka Hill, since the storm, a big thanks for your patience and understanding and all the messages of support that have been sent through,” says Mr Porter.  “We also thank our road crews for their hard work under difficult conditions.”

Traffic and travel pages for convoy information which will be updated when arrangements change: http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/areawarnings/202314

How to stay up to date:

0800 4 HIGHWAYS

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NZ Transport Agency calls for hi-tech ideas to make roads safer

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: NZ Transport Agency calls for hi-tech ideas to make roads safer

It’s hosting a Hackathon – a sort of technology-driven brainstorming speed date – to bring together people with diverse skills, interests and perspectives to solve problems.

“We’ll have 120 people coming together in teams for 48 hours to come up with  creative new ideas to help prevent needless deaths and serious injuries on our roads,” says the Transport Agency’s Safety and Environment Director Harry Wilson.

“We don’t know what we’ll get and we’re open to all ideas, but we’re looking for problem solving with a clear focus on the outcome – preventing crashes and saving lives.”

“The Hackathon’s theme is “Save One More Life”. Last year 379 people died on our roads, and every one of those lives lost is a tragedy. We’re looking for new ways to make our roads safer and improve driver behaviour.”

“It’s about unleashing the potential of technology to reduce the road toll,” says Mr Wilson.

“The idea is to bring together new technology and digital innovation and some free thinking and fresh perspectives. We’re looking for new ideas that can meaningfully impact road safety in New Zealand.”

Mr Wilson says the Transport Agency will be asking teams to keep the ‘Safe System’ approach front of mind as they build their solutions. The Safe System approach aims for a more forgiving road system that takes human fallibility and vulnerability into account.

“Under a Safe System, we design the whole transport system to protect people from death and serious injury,” Mr Wilson says.

The Transport Agency has suggested six challenge areas that the teams might focus on. For example it points to the fact that most people wear seat belts, but 26 per cent of road deaths in 2017 involved people not wearing seatbelts. How can technology help “make it click” every time in every vehicle?

Other challenge areas include driving too fast for the conditions, driving while impaired, making older vehicles and motorcycles safer and reducing crash risks on roads without median barriers.

Teams will also be able  to focus on a problem of their own choosing.

“We’ve got 120 people signed up on a first-in first served basis, with another 70 on a waiting list. We’ve got developers, tech experts and people with engineering or transport backgrounds. We’ve got people with a personal motivation for improving road safety. All are passionate about being involved in finding solutions to an issue which affects communities and so many people.”

The Hackathon will take place in Auckland on 16-18 March. Participants will come together on the Friday night, divide into teams and spend Saturday and Sunday working on their product or service idea. They’ll have access to data and APIs from the Transport Agency and its partners.

On Sunday afternoon they’ll present their concepts and prototypes. Teams are not required to produce a fully implemented solution, but a judging panel will award prizes to the top three concepts.

“We are in for a really exciting time as we engage with everyday transport users who also just happen to be really smart thinkers and technology innovators. There is no limit to what they might come up with,” says Mr Wilson.

Media interested in attending the Hackathon should contact the Transport Agency’s Auckland Media Manager Darryl Walker.

More information about the Hackathon can be found at https://www.saveonemorelife.co.nz/

More info about the safe system is at  http://www.saferjourneys.govt.nz/about-safer-journeys/the-safe-system-approach/

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Night work at State Highway 2 Te Puna and Omokoroa

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Night work at State Highway 2 Te Puna and Omokoroa

The pre-planned interim safety improvement work will take place at Barrett and Plummers Point Roads and Snodgrass and Te Puna Quarry Roads. It will involve installing new road markings and lane marker posts to slow people down and show where the correct lanes are.

The agency says the work will be carried out at night from Monday 12 March (7pm to 6am) to reduce the inconvenience to road users and should take at least two nights to complete.

Similar intersection improvements were made at the Omokoroa Rd intersection.

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Detour in place as Dunedin’s Southern motorway is made safer

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Detour in place as Dunedin’s Southern motorway is made safer

The NZ Transport Agency says the detour will take northbound traffic via the Mosgiel off-ramp and on-ramp, and is expected to add up to five minutes to the normal travel time.

People are advised to follow the detour signs and drive with extra care and attention.

Traffic heading south towards the airport will not be detoured however speed restrictions will be in place.

From 7pm on Sunday, all traffic will again be detoured off the state highway via Riccarton Road to allow contractors to continue work on other parts of the project. This full detour will continue until mid-March, weather dependent.

The work is part of the SH1 Dunedin to Mosgiel safety upgrade that will see safety barriers installed and others extended, and high performance road markings put in place along the route to help reduce head-on and run off road crashes.

More information about the project can be found at www.nzta.govt.nz/sh1-dunedin-to-mosgiel

How to stay up to date:

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Kaikōura SH1 closed south of the town after 2 pm – small slip near Rosy Morn, 3 km south of Peketa

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Kaikōura SH1 closed south of the town after 2 pm – small slip near Rosy Morn, 3 km south of Peketa

A small slip, around 20 cubic metres of material, has covered the highway after a morning of steady rain. The slip, labelled 29A, is 3 km south of Peketa and just north of Rosy Morn (a site which originally slipped in the September 2010 earthquake). Slip 29A also caused problems last Easter after heavy rain, requiring a road realignment, still being completed.

The highway is not likely to reopen today, says NCTIR Network Operations Manager Tresca Forrester. “The geotechnical team will assess the site’s safety later today and first thing in the morning before deciding on whether or not the road can reopen tomorrow morning. The safety of our crews and road users is the priority here.”

  • The next update will be 8am Saturday at this site: www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/regions/11
  • Drivers on the Picton to Christchurch route are encouraged to take the Lewis Pass road for the remainder of today and check the web for an update tomorrow morning after 8am.
  • The highway north of Kaikōura remains open.
  • Travellers between Christchurch and Kaikōura should use the Inland Road via Waiau (Route 70), which is open 24/7, but be aware there will be delays through this route with more traffic on it this afternoon.

*Residents living within this soft cordon at Leader Road, south of the slip, will have access to their homes.

Ways to find out what is happening on the highway network:

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Auckland overnight motorway closures 10-17 March 2018

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Auckland overnight motorway closures 10-17 March 2018

Check daily updated closure information

NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

  • Southbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off ramp and Upper Harbour Highway on ramp, 11 – 15 March
  • Oteha Valley Road southbound on ramp, 11 – 15 March
  • McClymonts Road southbound on ramp, 11 – 15 March
  • Greville Road southbound on ramp, 11 – 15 March
  • Northbound lanes between Upper Harbour Highway off ramp and Oteha Valley Road on ramp, 11 – 15 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Upper Harbour Highway northbound on ramp, 11 – 15 March
  • Greville Road northbound on ramp, 11 – 15 March

CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (SH1 & SH16)

  • (SH1) Northbound lanes between Khyber Pass Road off ramp and Nelson Street on ramp, 14 March (approx. 10:30p.m. to 5:00a.m.)

SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

  • Greenlane northbound on ramp, 12 March
  • Greenlane northbound off ramp, 14 March
  • Ellerslie-Panmure Highway southbound off ramp, 11 – 15 March (approx. 11:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Tecoma Street southbound off ramp, 11 – 15 March (approx. 11:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Tecoma Street southbound on ramp, 11 – 15 March
  • Hill Road northbound on ramp, 11 – 15 March
  • Northbound lanes between Manukau off ramp and East Tamaki Road on ramp, 12 – 13 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Te Irirangi Drive northbound on ramp, 12 – 13 March
  • Redoubt Road northbound on ramp, 12 – 13 March
  • Northbound lanes between Papakura off ramp and Takanini on ramp, 14 – 15 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Papakura northbound on ramp, 14 – 15 March
  • Papakura northbound (diamond) on ramp, 14 – 15 March
  • Southbound lanes between Takanini off ramp and Papakura on ramp, 11 – 15 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Takanini southbound on ramp, 11 – 15 March
  • SH22/Drury northbound off ramp, 14 March
  • SH22/Drury southbound on ramp, 14 March
  • Razorback Road northbound on ramp, 12 March
  • Razorback Road southbound off ramp, 11 March
  • Ridge Road northbound off ramp, 12 March
  • Nikau Road southbound on ramp, 11 March
  • SH1 Northbound to SH2 Eastbound Link, 12 – 13 & 15 March
  • SH1 Southbound to SH2 Eastbound Link, 11 & 14 March
  • SH2 Westbound to SH1 Northbound Link, 11 – 12 March
  • Pokeno northbound on ramp, 12 – 13 March

NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)

  • SH16 southbound link to SH20, (including SB Waterview tunnel), 14 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • SH16 westbound link to SH20, (including SB Waterview tunnel), 14 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Southbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road roundabout and Lincoln Road on ramp, 11 – 15 March
  • Hobsonville Road southbound on ramp, 11 – 15 March
  • Royal Road southbound on ramp, 11 – 15 March
  • Royal Road northbound off ramp, 11 March
  • Great North Road westbound off ramp, 12 – 13 March

UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)

  • SH18 westbound to SH16 eastbound link, 11 – 15 March

SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)

  • Northbound lanes between Maioro Street and SH16, (including NB Waterview tunnel), 12 – 13
  • Maioro Street northbound on ramp, 12 – 13 March
  • Coronation Road northbound off ramp, 12 March
  • Northbound lanes between Cavendish Drive off ramp and Massey Road on ramp, 11 & 14 – 15 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Puhinui Road northbound on ramp, 11 & 14 – 15 March
  • Roscommon Road northbound on ramp, 11 & 14 – 15 March
  • SH20 northbound to SH20A westbound link, 15 March
  • Southbound lanes between SH20A and Massey Road, 11 March (approx. 11:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Walmsley Road southbound on ramp, 11 March
  • Southbound lanes between Lambie Drive and SH1, 12 – 13 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Lambie Drive southbound on ramp, 12 – 13 March

GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)

  • Southbound lanes between Kirkbride Road off ramp and Kirkbride Road on ramp, 11 – 12 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Southbound lanes between Kirkbride Road off ramp and Landing Drive/Verissimo Drive, 13 – 17 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Kirkbride Road southbound on ramp, 13 – 17 March
  • Northbound lanes between Landing Drive/Verissimo Drive and Kirkbride Road on ramp, 11 – 13 & 16 March (approx. 10:30p.m. to 5:00a.m.)

Please follow the signposted detours. The Transport Agency thanks you for your co-operation during these essential improvements and maintenance.

For updates on state highway conditions and hazards visit: www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz
Auckland roads and public transport: www.at.govt.nz

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SH1 Desert Road closure scheduled for next week

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: SH1 Desert Road closure scheduled for next week

The road is being closed to enable the concrete deck to be poured on the Waihohonu Stream Bridge. The bridge was damaged in a crash last year.

Earlier dates have been postponed because of bad weather. Pouring concrete in wet weather can have environmental and safety impacts.

NZTA Waikato Transport Systems Manager, Karen Boyt, says this date is still weather dependent.

“People should continue to check our website or call us before they leave for their journey so they’re aware of what’s ahead of them.”

Another similar 36-hour closure is scheduled for mid to late April, this will also be weather permitting.

Outside of the closure times people can expect the bridge to be down to one lane, with some short closures of around 5 minutes. There is a 30km/h limit in place.

The alternative route is State Highways 46, 47, 4, and 49. This detour is not suitable for vehicles over 46 tonnes, apart from 50MAX which is permitted.

There are also multiple maintenance work sites on the Desert Road during this period and delays are possible at other sites.

High productivity motor vehicles can use the SH3 and SH3A route between Hamilton and Bulls.

Vehicles with over-weight loads or over-dimension loads wider than 3.0 metres are unable to use the Desert Road section of SH1 until the bridge repairs are complete in April.

The closure dates are subject to fine weather. Updates will be posted at the sites below.

People can check all current road closures here:

www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/

We are also on Twitter and Facebook:

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State Highway 3 near Awakino Tunnel closed following serious crash

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: State Highway 3 near Awakino Tunnel closed following serious crash

State Highway 43 between Taumarunui and Whangamomona is also closed due to slips. The road is expected to be open tomorrow afternoon.

The NZ Transport Agency says State Highway 3 can be used as a detour if people have to travel.

It says people should expect delays in the area and should check the NZ Transport Agency website before travelling.

Check the Transport Agency’s website: www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic for the latest highway information.

Freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS for national and regional travel updates.

We are also on social media

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UPDATE 3PM: Napier to Taupō and most other state highways now open

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: UPDATE 3PM: Napier to Taupō and most other state highways now open

The NZ Transport Agency says people can still expect delays as there will be parts of the road down to one lane.

It says people should check the website, the NZTA regional social media pages or call us on 0800 4 HIGHWAYS before leaving for their journey.

Current closures (check www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic for latest information):

 

  •  State Highway 43 between Taumarunui and Whangamomona is closed due to slips. The detour is via State Highway 3 and 4. Road is expected to be open tomorrow afternoon at least.

Roads now open:

  •  State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupo is now open but extra care is needed. People should expect delays.
  •  State Highway 2 between Tutira and Whirinaki near Napier is now open.
  •  State Highway 45 between New Plymouth and Omata is now open and is being monitored. People should take extra if they need to use this road.

 

Check the Transport Agency’s website: www.nzta.govt.nz  for the latest highway information or www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz for up-to-date information on what is happening on the route you plan to travel; freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS for national and regional travel updates.

We are also on social media.

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